SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: I. Allen & A. Doying

THANK YOU: to all who assisted on Fall Clean-up Day to beautify the church inside and out!

CONTRACT RUMMY ANYONE? We have Fellowship this coming Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy an exciting game of Contract Rummy.  Bring a snack or two to share with the group.

MEN’S RETREAT: Mark your calendars for October 16th and 17th for a time of fellowship at Jim Skinner’s place for the men of the congregation.

CHILI COOK OFF: The annual Chili and Soup Cook off is scheduled for Sunday, October 25th. The cookoff will take place following Bible class on Reformation Sunday. If you would like to enter a chili or soup, please submit your entry information at this link. Everyone is encouraged to attend and enjoy the variety of chili and soups!

REFORMATION VESPERS: The congregations of the East and West Des Moines Circuits are cordially invited to Trinity Lutheran in Des Moines for a Reformation Vespers service on Sunday, October 25th at 4:00pm.  Sacred music in the service will include selections from congregational hymns, choir, handbells, organ and instruments. Our guest preacher will be the Rev. Nathan Sherrill, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs and Executive Director of David's Harp. After the service please stay for the potluck soup supper and presentation on "Music's Role in the Reformation and Evangelism."  If you would like to participate in the circuit choir ensemble or bring your favorite soup, side, or dessert to share please call the Trinity church office at 515-279-3609.

MOVIE NIGHT: Holy Cross Ladies’ Guild is hosting a movie night on Friday, October 30th. The congregation is invited to watch Arsenic and Old Lace in the fellowship hall at 6:30 pm. Popcorn is provided or bring your own movie treats and enjoy this Halloween classic!

CATECHISM RESOURCE: LCMS Family Ministry has put together memory cards to help your children learn part of Scripture and the Small Catechism by heart. They are free to download and can be found on the Catechesis section of our website.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The Holy Cross choir and Sunday school will be presenting an Advent Concert themed “Let our Gladness Have No End” on Sunday, December 13th during the Sunday school hour. If you are interested in participating in the concert, contact Kathy Dee or Kathryn Feldt.

THEOLOGY FOR WHITE COLLAR, BLUE COLLAR, AND CLERICAL COLLAR: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  Recent topics include: Artificial Intelligence & Vocation, Bareness, The Early Church Fathers & Faith Alone, The Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Reuniting Mothers with Their Children in Foster Care, Young Men & Red-Pill Content and more. You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.

As Joshua was preparing to lead the people into the promised land, the Lord encouraged them to, “be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you” (Joshua 1:7). Sadly, the people soon forgot the words of the Lord, became disobedient and “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals” (Judges 2:11). The Apostle Paul was well aware of this pattern of apathy and apostacy when he warned the elders of Ephesus that, “After my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30). During the Reformation, spiritual laziness and false teaching was still afflicting the church when Luther observed that, “The deplorable, miserable condition that I discovered recently when I, too, was a visitor, has forced me to prepare this catechism, or Christian doctrine, in this small, plain, simple, form. Mercy! Dear God, what great misery I beheld! The common person, especially in the villages, has no knowledge whatever of Christian doctrine.” Now, five hundred years later, we dare not fool ourselves into thinking we are not in danger of history repeating itself. The devil loves nothing better than to lull the church into a false sense of security. But thanks be to God! Our Lord has assured us that His Word endures forever. When we hold fast to His Word as taught in the Small Catechism, our confessions, liturgy and hymns, we are being careful to do and believe all that the Lord has commanded. As we continue to teach what has been handed down to us from Jesus through Moses, Joshua, the Apostles, St. Paul and even Luther, we can rejoice that the truth of God’s Word is being taught among us. Therefore, as Luther taught in the Conclusion to the Lord’s Prayer, we can say, “Amen, amen means, ‘yes, yes, it shall be so.’”

Reformation Vespers - Sunday Oct. 25th 4:00pm at Trinity Lutheran, Des Moines

The congregations of the East and West Des Moines Circuits are cordially invited to Trinity Lutheran in Des Moines for a Reformation Vespers service.  Sacred music in the service will include selections from congregational hymns, choir, handbells, organ and instruments.

Our guest preacher will be the Rev. Nathan Sherrill, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs and Executive Director of David's Harp, an Recognized Service Organization of the LC-MS.   An offering will be collected to benefit David's Harp, visit davidsharpmusic.org to learn more.

After the service please stay for the potluck soup supper and presentation on "Music's Role in the Reformation and Evangelism."  If you would like to participate in the circuit choir ensemble or bring your favorite soup, side, or dessert to share please call the Trinity church office at 515-279-3609.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: R. Brantner, L. Johnson, C. Johnson

SCHEDULE: No Table Talk this Tuesday. Pastor is at a call meeting. Men’s Bible study will continue to meet on Tuesday morning, Oct 6th and 20th. In November, Men’s Bible study returns to Wednesday mornings as normal.

FALL CLEAN UP: Fall clean up day is scheduled for October 10th, with the 17th as a backup in case of bad weather.

MEN’S RETREAT: Mark your calendars for October 16th and 17th for a time of fellowship at Jim Skinner’s place for the men of the congregation.

ALTAR FLOWERS: There are many special feast days coming up in the church year. The Altar Guild would like to beautify our church by providing fresh flower arrangements for those days. A sign up sheet is in the narthex. Mark "Altar Flowers" in the memo line of your check or donate online Serve>Give>Vanco>Altar Flowers.

REFORMATION VESPERS: The congregations of the East and West Des Moines Circuits are cordially invited to Trinity Lutheran in Des Moines for a Reformation Vespers service on Sunday, October 25th at 4:00pm.  Sacred music in the service will include selections from congregational hymns, choir, handbells, organ and instruments. Our guest preacher will be the Rev. Nathan Sherrill, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs and Executive Director of David's Harp. After the service please stay for the potluck soup supper and presentation on "Music's Role in the Reformation and Evangelism."  If you would like to participate in the circuit choir ensemble or bring your favorite soup, side, or dessert to share please call the Trinity church office at 515-279-3609.

CATECHISM RESOURCE: LCMS Family Ministry has put together memory cards to help your children learn part of Scripture and the Small Catechism by heart. They are free to download at https://resources.lcms.org/general/catechism-memory-cards/ and can also be found on the Catechesis section of our website.

PERRY LUTHERAN HOMES’ 70TH ANNIVERSARY: Join us for worship and an ice cream social on Sunday, October 18, at 2:00 p.m., with guest preacher Rev. Dr. Jim Lamb and featured speaker Rev. Max Phillips. Established 70 years ago by the LCMS Iowa District West and East, Perry Lutheran Homes continues to grow through the faithful support of congregations like yours. Worship and the ice cream social will take place at Perry Lutheran Homes’ Eden Acres Campus, 1300 28th Street, Perry.

LITURGY WORKSHOP: Iowa District East is hosting a liturgy workshop at Our Redeemer in Cedar Falls titled, Something is Happening Here: The Transcendent Power of the Liturgy. The workshop runs 9am-2pm on November 14th and is free to attend. More information and registration can be found at lcmside.org/liturgy-workshop/.

REVELATION BIBLE STUDY: The Word of the Lord Endures Forever is a daily 15-minute verse-by-verse Bible study produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Will Weedon.  Pastor Weedon will begin a study this week on the Book of Revelation.  You can listen on-demand at thewordendures.org.

October 6th Update: Water services still have not been fully restored. In light of that, there will be no Ladies' Bible Study or Vespers tomorrow because water has not been restored yet. There WILL be Confirmation class and choir at 6:30pm.

Original:
As many of you already know the city of Carlisle has been under a "Do not use water" order for the last few days as the result of a water main break and subsequent problems. At this time, Carlisle is still under a "Do not use water" order. That includes: do not use faucets, do not flush toilets, do not drink the water. Use bottled and jugs of water only. More information and updates are available at City of Carlisle's website.

At Holy Cross, Divine Service will be held, but other activities at church will be limited until further notice. As a result, there will be no fellowship/refreshments, no Sunday School, or Bible Study following Divine Service Sunday, October 4th.
For those attending the Divine Service:

• Restroom facilities are extremely limited. Please plan accordingly. If you plan on using the restroom, please bring a gallon of water to "bucket flush." Hand sanitizer is provided in a couple locations around church.
• No drinking water is available at church. Please make sure to bring your own drinking water with you.

During Sunday;s Bible Study on Act 4, the following resource was highlighted:

• Issues, Etc. interview of Dr. T. C. Schmidt: First Century Jewish Historian Flavius Josephus on Jesus
• "Josephus and Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Christ" by Dr T. C. Schmidt. The free PDF may be downloaded here.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: Ceci Johnson & E. Urban

COMING UP:
Today – Special Voter’s Meeting
            - Council meeting
Friday – Card Night
Saturday - Ladies Guild planning meeting & presentation
27th – Semi-Annual voters meeting; Oktoberfest

SPECIAL VOTER’S MEETING: There will be a short voters meeting before Bible study today to approve Pastor’s insurance.

CONTRACT RUMMY ANYONE?  We have Fellowship this coming Friday beginning at 6 p.m.  Enjoy an exciting game of Contract Rummy.  Bring a snack or two to share with the group.

LADIES GUILD: will be hosting Master Gardener Sue Thompson Royce on Saturday, September 19th from 11am to noon.  Sue has been a Master Gardener for over 25 years and has been gardening for over 60 years! She will give a presentation on fall gardening, preserving your garden produce and will finish up with garden tool care. Invite your gardening friends and mark your calendar!  We will have our planning meeting at 10 am that morning.

OKTOBERFEST: Mark your calendars for Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 27, following the voters' meeting.  Brats, hot dogs, and beverages will be provided.  There is a signup sheet in the narthex.  See you then!

FALL CLEAN UP: Fall clean up day is scheduled for October 10th, with the 17th as a backup in case of bad weather.

LITURGY WORKSHOP: Iowa District East is hosting a liturgy workshop at Our Redeemer in Cedar Falls titled, Something is Happening Here: The Transcendent Power of the Liturgy. The workshop runs 9am-2pm on November 14th and is free to attend. More information and registration can be found at lcmside.org/liturgy-workshop/.

PASADENA PETAL PUSHERS: Join others from IDW traveling to Pasadena over the new year. Help decorate floats and participate in local mission work. Registration and deposit are due Oct 2. Let Allison, the office secretary, know if you would like the registration form.

YOUR LIFELINE TO THE LUTHERAN WORLDVIEW: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  Recent subjects include: Social Emotional Learning, The False Masculinity of the Tate Brothers, Gloria Steinem’s Legacy, The Gay Rights Movement’s Anthropological Problem and more.  You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: A. Friedrichs

COMING UP:
9th – Men’s Bible study resumes
- Confirmation parent meeting; choir season begins
13th – Council meeting
19th – Ladies Guild planning meeting & presentation
27th – Semi-Annual voters meeting; Oktoberfest

THIS WEEK: Men’s Wednesday morning Bible study resumes this week. Confirmation classes will also begin Wednesday, September 9th with Vespers and a parent meeting. The fall choir season begins that evening as well and will follow the confirmation class schedule unless otherwise noted.

LADIES GUILD: will be hosting Master Gardener Sue Thompson Royce on Saturday, September 19th from 11am to noon.  Sue has been a Master Gardener for over 25 years and has been gardening for over 60 years! She will give a presentation on fall gardening, preserving your garden produce and will finish up with garden tool care. Invite your gardening friends and mark your calendar!  We will have our planning meeting at 10 am that morning.

OKTOBERFEST: Mark your calendars for Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 27, in the fellowship hall, following the Voters' Meeting.  Brats, hot dogs, and beverages will be provided.  Plan to bring a dish to share.  See you then.  Guten Tag!

SCRIP: Scrip cards for Fareway, Caseys, Jimmy Johns, and Kwik Star are available. See Kathryn to purchase one. Proceeds go toward the parking lot project.

ALTAR FLOWERS: The Altar Guild would like to put out fresh flower arrangements for special feast days in the church. Mark "Altar Flowers" in the memo line of your check or donate online Serve>Give>Vanco>Altar Flowers. The signup sheet is in the narthex.

LITURGY WORKSHOP: Iowa District East is hosting a liturgy workshop at Our Redeemer in Cedar Falls titled, Something is Happening Here: The Transcendent Power of the Liturgy. The workshop runs 9am-2pm on November 14th and is free to attend. More information and registration can be found at lcmside.org/liturgy-workshop/.

PASADENA PETAL PUSHERS: Join others from IDW traveling to Pasadena over the new year. Help decorate floats and participate in local mission work. Registration and deposit are due Oct 2. Let Allison, the office secretary, know if you would like the registration form.

LUTHER HAD WARTBURG, WE HAVE COLLINSVILLE: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent interview topics include: The Honesty Crisis, Luke’s Gospel for the Hungry, Lutheran Schools & the Three Estates, The Story of a 16th-Century German City Embracing Lutheranism and more.  You can listen on demand at issuesetc.org.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: A. Doying

COMING UP:
9th – Men’s Bible study resumes
- Confirmation parent meeting; choir season begins
13th – Council meeting
19th – Ladies Guild planning meeting & presentation
27th – Semi-Annual voters meeting; Oktoberfest

CHURCH COOKOUT: for today has been canceled.

BEGINNING SOON: Men’s Wednesday morning Bible study resumes next week, the 9th. Confirmation classes will also begin Wednesday, September 9th with Vespers and a parent meeting. The fall choir season begins that evening as well and will follow the confirmation class schedule unless otherwise noted.

LADIES GUILD: will be hosting Master Gardener Sue Thompson Royce on Saturday, September 19th from 11am to noon. Sue has been a Master Gardener for over 25 years and has been gardening for over 60 years! She will give a presentation on fall gardening, preserving your garden produce and will finish up with garden tool care. Invite your gardening friends and mark your calendar! We will have our planning meeting at 10 am that morning.

SCRIP: Scrip cards for Fareway, Caseys, Jimmy Johns, and Kwik Star are available. See Kathryn to purchase one. Proceeds go toward the parking lot project.

ALTAR FLOWERS: The Altar Guild would like to put out fresh flower arrangements for special feast days in the church. Mark "Altar Flowers" in the memo line of your check or donate online. The signup sheet is in the narthex.

PASADENA PETAL PUSHERS: Join others from IDW traveling to Pasadena over the new year. Help decorate floats and participate in local mission work. Registration and deposit are due Oct 2. Let Allison, the office secretary, know if you would like the registration form.

BOOK OF PROVERBS BIBLE STUDY: The Word of the Lord Endures Forever is a daily 15-minute verse-by-verse Bible study produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Will Weedon. Pastor Weedon recently started a study on the Book of Proverbs 21–31. You can listen at your convenience at thewordendures.org.

During Bible Study, the following resource was highlighted:

• Gottesdienst: Lutherans as Evangelical Catholics

After spending 8 years in Botswana, the Grulke family moved back to the United States in June 2026 and are living nearby in Urbandale, IA! Thanks to technology, they are still able to be part of LBT and Bible translation in Botswana, as well as regional work in southern Africa and Ethiopia. Read the full update in their newsletter here.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: I. Allen & R. Stofer
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Today - Special voters’ meeting
Next Sunday – Potluck following Bible study
August 30 – Cookout at shelter house

SPECIAL VOTERS’ MEETING: A brief voters meeting will be held today before Bible class to direct the usage of current money in the Benevolence Fund.

PARKING LOT: Please, no cars in the parking lot around 10:00am on Monday. JK will be coming to take photos of the completed project.
 
CONTRACT RUMMY ANYONE? We have Fellowship this coming Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy an exciting game of Contract Rummy. Bring a snack or two to share with the group.

ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY: August 22nd is Pastor Johnson’s ordination anniversary. It is always a good time to remember our called shepherd and to thank him.

GARAGE SALE RECAP: Thank you to all who volunteered to help with the garage sale. All the unsold items have been packed up and the DAV is scheduled to pick them up on Monday, August 24th.  Proceeds from the garage sale are being sent to Pastor Wendorff's family to help reduce costs associated with the mold infestation in their home. Watch the bulletin for our final total next week.
 
POTLUCK: Don’t forget! There is a potluck scheduled for next week after Bible study. Stick around to greet special guest, Lynn Girton.

CHURCH COOKOUT: Please join us for a church cookout at the shelter Sunday, August 30th, at 5:30 p.m.  Bring your own meat for grilling and a dish or two to share.
 
STARTING SOON: Summer is almost over! Mark your calendars because Confirmation classes will begin Wednesday, September 9th with Vespers and a parent meeting. The fall choir season also begins Sept 9th and will follow the confirmation class schedule.
 
SCRIP: Scrip cards for Fareway, Caseys, Jimmy Johns, and Kwik Star are available. See Kathryn to purchase one. Proceeds go toward the parking lot project.

DEFENDING LIFE: is a young adult retreat presented by HT Beyond and YA for Life. It is for those who want to do more than win arguments and those who want to be equipped to have conversations rooted in the God who bled and died for every sinner on every side of the issue. Michelle Bauman, Former Director of YA for Life and YA for Life, will be your speaker, and Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, will be your Chaplain. It will be held Oct 23-25 at CTSFW and is for ages 18-30. The cost is $100-175. Register online.
 
TRUTH, GOODNESS, BEAUTY: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent teachings include: What Is Critical Theory?, The Reliability of the Bible, The Population Bust, The Term “Flesh” in the Bible and more. You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org.

During Bible Study, the following resource was highlighted:

• Issues, Etc. interview of Dr. T.C. Schmidt: First Century Jewish Historian Flavius Josephus on Jesus

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: no one signed up

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Today - Special voters’ meeting
Wednesday – NO Bible studies or Vespers; Pastor is on vacation
August 23 – Potluck following Bible study
August 30 – Cookout at shelter house

TODAY: Voters’ meeting and Bible study will be held in the sanctuary. At the beginning of Bible study, there will be a short voters meeting about potential fellowship hall improvements. An informational sheet on the project is available by the bulletins. Also, please make your way downstairs to browse through the remaining garage sale items. We could also use a couple of people to stick around to help pack up the remaining items.

SCRIP: Scrip cards for Fareway, Caseys, Jimmy Johns, and Kwik Star are available. See Kathryn to purchase one. Proceeds go toward the parking lot project.

TRINITY QUILTING CONVOCATION: TLC Quilters invite you to join us August 29th for our Quilting Convocation from 9 am - 3 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona, Iowa. Join us in fellowship with other Christian quilters, participate in hands-on demonstrations, observe new quilting techniques, and learn more about operating a Christian quilting organization. Register by August 14th. Find out more at www.trinityalgona.org/tlc-quilters.

LUTHERAN MUSIC WORKSHOP: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, IA is hosting an all-day workshop for Grades 2-12 on Thursday, August 13th. It is a free event, with lunch provided, and a family program in the evening. Please register because space is limited: www.stpaulsmusicconservatory.org. Speak to Aja if you would like to carpool.

CHURCH COOKOUT: Please join us for a church cookout at the shelter Sunday, August 30th, at 5:30 p.m.  Bring your own meat for grilling and a dish or two to share.

DEFENDING LIFE: is a young adult retreat presented by HT Beyond and YA for Life. It is for those who want to do more than win arguments and those who want to be equipped to have conversations rooted in the God who bled and died for every sinner on every side of the issue. Michelle Bauman, Former Director of YA for Life and YA for Life, will be your speaker, and Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, will be your Chaplain. It will be held Oct 23-25 at CTSFW and is for ages 18-30. The cost is $100-175. Register online.

YOUR LIFELINE TO THE LUTHERAN WORLDVIEW: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  Recent topics include: Breaking Free from the Burden of Shame, Family Discipleship, Understanding Burnout, The Roots of “Spiritual But Not Religious” and more.  You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: no one signed up
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
August 8 – Garage Sale in fellowship hall
August 9 – Special voters’ meeting for fellowship hall improvements
August 23 – Potluck following Bible study
August 30 – Cookout at shelter house

SPECIAL VOTERS MEETING: Next Sunday, at the beginning of Bible study, there will be a short voters meeting about potential fellowship hall improvements. An informational sheet on the project is available by the bulletins; please be sure to grab one.
 
TODAY: At 3:00pm at St. Paul, Ankeny you are invited to attend a service celebrating Rev. Kottlowski’s 30th Ordination Anniversary.

PARKING LOT: Work on the parking lot has been finished and it is fully ready to drive on. We are still working on landscaping, however, so stay tuned for how you can help!
 
HELP YOURSELF: The elderberries are ready to harvest at church! They are located in the shrub line by the car wash. Harvest as many as you would like.

SCRIP: Scrip cards for Fareway, Caseys, Jimmy Johns, and Kwik Star are available. See Kathryn to purchase one. Proceeds go toward the parking lot project.
 
TRINITY QUILTING CONVOCATION: TLC Quilters invite you to join us August 29th for our Quilting Convocation from 9 am - 3 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona, Iowa. Join us in fellowship with other Christian quilters, participate in hands-on demonstrations, observe new quilting techniques, and learn more about operating a Christian quilting organization. Register by August 14th. Find out more at www.trinityalgona.org/tlc-quilters.
 
LUTHERAN MUSIC WORKSHOP: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, IA is hosting an all-day workshop for Grades 2-12 on Thursday, August 13th. It is a free event, with lunch provided, and a family program in the evening. Please register because space is limited: www.stpaulsmusicconservatory.org.

DEFENDING LIFE: is a young adult retreat presented by HT Beyond and YA for Life. It is for those who want to do more than win arguments and those who want to be equipped to have conversations rooted in the God who bled and died for every sinner on every side of the issue. Michelle Bauman, Former Director of YA for Life and YA for Life, will be your speaker, and Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, will be your Chaplain. It will be held Oct 23-25 at CTSFW and is for ages 18-30. The cost is $100-175. Register online.
 
ESSENTIAL EXERCISE FOR THE CHRISTIAN MIND: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  Recent show subjects include: Karl Marx’s Fascination with the Devil, The Fall of the Great Republics, Reducing Theology to Pithy Slogans, First-Century Jewish Historian Josephus on Jesus and more.  You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.

Last month, the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod was held in Pheonix, AZ. This convention may be remembered as a pivotal moment in our synod.     To begin, a slate of excellent men were elected to positions as vice-presidents and regional vice presidents. More than ever, the men now leading our synod are united in their understanding of God’s Word and committed to the teachings of the Book of Concord.     Additionally, overtures to reestablish the Commission on Worship, promote the Biblical responsibility of pastors to publicly read the Scriptures and an admonishment for congregations to retain or recover the practice of closed Communion all were adopted. Perhaps the most significant resolution passed will address the mishandling of the Specific Ministry Pastor Program by focusing on pastoral formation at one of our two seminaries.          While many fear the reality of declining numbers of church goers and the need for more pastors, the convention refused to pass overtures that would compromise God’s Word or our teaching. While this is very encouraging, the real comfort is knowing that the Word of the Lord which proclaims the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus will endure forever with or without the convention.

    Therefore, while our synod is standing firm in many ways, we will still face the challenges and assaults of the devil from within and without as the message of Christ and Him crucified continues to be taught among us. Thankfully, it is still the preaching of the Gospel that unites us, bringing faith and forgiveness to those whom God loves and chooses to save. By the grace of God, this past convention has shown that our synod remains committed to the Gospel being taught in all of its purity and that the Sacraments are rightly administered among us as God's Word is correctly taught according to the Lutheran Confession in our churches. We thank the Lord for all His goodness in ensuring this.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: G. Siegel

COOKOUT CANCELED: Today’s cookout has been canceled due to the heat. Next month’s cookout will be Aug 23rd (backup date: Aug 30) and will be hosted by the Caro family. Watch for more info.

HELP YOURSELF: The elderberries are ready to harvest at church! They are located in the shrub line by the car wash. Harvest as many as you would like.

LUTHERAN MUSIC WORKSHOP: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, IA is hosting an all-day workshop for Grades 2-12 on Thursday, August 13th. It is a free event, with lunch provided, and a family program in the evening. Please register because space is limited: www.stpaulsmusicconservatory.org.

YOU ARE INVITED: to join the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The celebration will begin with worship at 9:30 AM, followed by our 30th Anniversary Grand Ole Potluck at approximately 10:45 AM. We would be honored to have you celebrate with us as we give thanks to God for His faithfulness and blessings over the past 30 years.

URGENT NEED: Rev. Aaron Wendorff (of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osceola and Our Savior’s in Leon) and his family are in search of temporary housing while their parsonage home undergoes major mold remediation. They are open to anything within an hour of Osceola, could move anytime, and would need housing for up to six months. If you are aware of any affordable options, please contact Rev. Wendorff at pr.awendorff@gmail.com or 507-766-2165. To fully remediate and rebuild the affected areas—including walls, ceilings, and floors—the estimated cost is approximately $150,000. Would you prayerfully consider supporting this congregation and family in their time of need? A GoFundMe has been set up for online donations, or you may send a check to Immanuel Lutheran Church. See the bulletin board for more information.

ALTAR FLOWERS: The Altar Guild would like to put out fresh flower arrangements for special feast days in the church. Mark "Altar Flowers" in the memo line of your check or donate online Serve>Give>Vanco>Altar Flowers. The signup sheet is in the narthex.

EDUCATING A NEW GENERATION OF LUTHERANS: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  Recent show topics include: Pope Leo’s Encyclical on Artificial Intelligence, The Lord’s Prayer in Lutheran Worship, A Lutheran View of the Scholastics, The Population Bust and more.  You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: C. Dee & R. Brantner

CALENDAR UPDATE: Matins and Confessions study will be next week, July 30th.
 
APOLOGETICS STUDY: Friday, July 24th at 4:30pm is the last study on Fisk’s book, Without Flesh. The target age for this group is upper confirmation/ high school, but all are welcome to attend. Please come prepared to discuss chapters 8, 9, and the appendices.
 
CHURCH COOKOUT: Please join us for a church cookout at the shelter next Sunday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m.  Bring your own meat for grilling and a dish or two to share.
 
SYNODICAL CONVENTION: The 69th Regular Convention of the LCMS takes place July 18–23 at the Phoenix Convention Center under theme “Christ Is Risen Indeed.” Everyone can stay involved at home and keep up on convention updates:
Watch the livestream: www.LCMS.org/Convention/Livestream
Read live news updates: https://Reporter.LCMS.org
Listen to interviews: www.KFUO.org
Stay tuned on social media: www.Facebook.com/TheLCMS
 
PARKING LOT: We are now able to drive personal vehicles on the parking lot! But no garbage trucks or heavy equipment should access the parking lot for the remainder of the month.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: New seed laid down after the construction needs to be watered. More mowing volunteers would be helpful as well. Let properties board know if you can help.
 
URGENT NEED: Rev. Aaron Wendorff (of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osceola and Our Savior’s in Leon) and his family are in search of temporary housing while their parsonage home undergoes major mold remediation. They are open to anything within an hour of Osceola, could move anytime, and would need housing for up to six months. If you are aware of any affordable options, please contact Rev. Wendorff at pr.awendorff@gmail.com. To fully remediate and rebuild the affected areas—including walls, ceilings, and floors—the estimated cost is approximately $150,000. Would you prayerfully consider supporting this congregation and family in their time of need? A GoFundMe has been set up for online donations, or you may send a check to Immanuel Lutheran Church. See the bulletin board for more information.

MORE TOPICS, MORE GUESTS, MORE JESUS: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent topics include: The Movie “The Odyssey;” Prosecuting Pornography; The Hymn “Entrust Your Days and Burdens;” Lutheranism in Canada and more. You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.

The 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is set for July 18–23 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

• Schedule
  • Please note: The convention schedule reflects Mountain Standard Time. (At this time of year, because most of Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, Mountain Time coincides with Pacific Daylight Time.)
• Livestream Feed
• Convention Workbook
• LCMS Reporter Live Updates
• Convention Related Interviews on KFUO
• Short videos (YouTube)
• LCMS Social Media Pages
  • LCMS Convention Facebook Page
  • LCMS Official Facebook Page

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: Ceci Johnson & R. Stofer

ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK:
Today – Council meeting following Bible study
Friday – Card night 6pm

CONTRACT RUMMY ANYONE?  We have Fellowship this coming Friday beginning at 6 p.m.  Enjoy an exciting game of Contract Rummy.  Bring a snack or two to share with the group.

PARKING LOT: We are now able to drive personal vehicles on the parking lot! But no garbage trucks or heavy equipment should access the parking lot for the remainder of the month.

URGENT NEED: Rev. Aaron Wendorff (of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osceola and Our Savior’s in Leon) and his family are in search of temporary housing while their parsonage home undergoes major mold remediation. They are open to anything within an hour of Osceola, could move anytime, and would need housing for up to six months. If you are aware of any affordable options, please contact Rev. Wendorff at pr.awendorff@gmail.com. To fully remediate and rebuild the affected areas—including walls, ceilings, and floors—the estimated cost is approximately $150,000. Would you prayerfully consider supporting this congregation and family in their time of need? A GoFundMe has been set up for online donations, or you may send a check to Immanuel Lutheran Church. See the bulletin board for more information.

CHURCH COOKOUT: Please join us for a church cookout at the shelter Sunday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m.  Bring your own meat for grilling and a dish or two to share.

APOLOGETICS STUDY: Friday, July 24th at 4:30pm is the last study on Fisk’s book, Without Flesh. The target age for this group is upper confirmation/ high school, but all are welcome to attend. Please come prepared to discuss chapters 8, 9, and the appendices.

DIVORCE & REMARRIAGE SERIES: Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. You can listen to a series of interviews with Dr. Benjamin Mayes, author of the new book “Divorce and Remarriage: Ecclesiastical Discernment and Pastoral Care” at issuesetc.org/divorceandremarriage.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: H. Selby & M. Selby

ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK: Mid-week Bible studies and activities will resume as normal following the 4th of July weekend. Next Sunday following Bible study is a Council meeting.

PARKING LOT: We are now able to drive personal vehicles on the parking lot! But no garbage trucks or heavy equipment should access the parking lot for the remainder of the month.

URGENT NEED: Rev. Aaron Wendorff (of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osceola and Our Savior’s in Leon) and his family are in search of temporary housing while their parsonage home undergoes major mold remediation. They are open to anything within an hour of Osceola, could move anytime, and would need housing for up to six months. If you are aware of any affordable options, please contact Rev. Wendorff at pr.awendorff@gmail.com. To fully remediate and rebuild the affected areas—including walls, ceilings, and floors—the estimated cost is approximately $150,000. Would you prayerfully consider supporting this congregation and family in their time of need? A GoFundMe has been set up for online donations, or you may send a check to Immanuel Lutheran Church. See the bulletin board for more information.

CHURCH COOKOUT: Please join us for a church cookout at the shelter Sunday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m.  Bring your own meat for grilling and a dish or two to share.

YOU ARE INVITED: to join the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The celebration will begin with worship at 9:30 AM, followed by our 30th Anniversary Grand Ole Potluck at approximately 10:45 AM. We would be honored to have you celebrate with us as we give thanks to God for His faithfulness and blessings over the past 30 years.

IOWA LIFE RALLY: On Saturday, June 20th Iowans from all over the state gathered at the capitol to stand for life. Over 100 LCMS Lutherans were present for the rally and march, many of them Holy Cross members! See the photo from the event on the announcement board.

WHERE CHRISTIANITY MEETS CULTURE: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  Recent subjects include: Pro-Life Democrats; Divorce & Remarriage; Down Syndrome Children & Abortion; Campus Ministry and more.  You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.

The Declaration of Independence begins with these words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” With great humility, we thank the Holy Trinity for His “first article gifts” that help us to pursue Life, Liberty and Happiness. But we are not at liberty to pursue our own “happiness” at the expense of others. These gifts are given to serve our neighbor, because we must also acknowledge that all men are sinful and equally in need of a freedom far greater than any human government or document can provide. We hold this to be self-evident, that all men need to be set at “liberty” from sin, death and the power of the devil by God Himself. A freedom that only Christ can provide to those who hear the Gospel and believe. Having experienced this freedom, St. Paul reminds us ‘For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all,’ (I Cor. 9:19), Luther wrote about our freedom and service to others two hundred and fifty years before the Declaration of Independence, stating that “A Christian is an utterly free man, lord of all, subject to none,” but that, “A Christian is an utterly dutiful man, servant of all, subject to all.”  (On the Freedom of the Christian, 1520). Therefore, use your God given gifts of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness to love and support your neighbor as God has called us to do even as we thank and praise Him for our nation and our independence.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: No one signed up

TODAY: Celebrate America’s 250th birthday while watching the movie, 1776, after Bible Study. Sandwiches will be served. Please stick around!

PARKING LOT: June 30th is the first day we can drive on the new parking lot! We will have limited access for the first month (meaning no garbage trucks or heavy equipment should access the parking lot during that time). Mid-week Bible studies and activities will resume as normal following the 4th of July weekend.

IOWA LIFE RALLY: On Saturday, June 20th Iowans from all over the state gathered at the capitol to stand for life. Over 100 LCMS Lutherans were present for the rally and march, many of them Holy Cross members! See the photo from the event on the announcement board.

SCRIP GIFT CARDS: We still have a few gift cards available for purchase after church including Fareway and Dairy Queen. We can accept checks, Apple pay, and cash. We will order a new set of cards in July. If you have anything special you want to pre-order, let us know. A list of available gift cards is posted on the bulletin board.
-Stewardship Committee, Kathryn Feldt and Katie Eubanks.

CHURCH COOKOUT: Please join us for a church cookout at the shelter Sunday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m.  Bring your own meat for grilling and a dish or two to share.

SINGLES RETREAT: The 4th annual LCMS Lutheran Singles Retreat will be hosted at Camp Okoboji August 21-23. Cost is $100. Register at faithwinterset.org or contact keithlcms@gmail.com with questions.

EQUIPPING THE PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent topics include: The 2026 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, Marxism & Liberation Theology, Expressive Individualism & the Christian Life, The Sevenfold Graces of the Spirit in Isaiah 11 and more. You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.

During Bible Study, the following resources were highlighted:

• ACELC 2026 Conference Videos will be posted on their YouTube channel
• Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard's Blog article "Is The Missouri Synod Divided? A Pastoral Appeal"
• Following Bible Study, pastor came across some recent episodes from On The Line to share
  • On The Line: President Harrison on the Lutheran Distinctives (Guest: LCMS President Matthew Harrison)
  • On The Line: Future of the Lutheran Church (Guest: LCMS President Matthew Harrison)